Mullion strip



L. GEROW MULLION STRIP Nov. 13, 1951 Filed Jan. 18, 1946 2 SHEETS-SHEETl FIE-.1"

INVENTOR. Leona/"0 Gamn BY ATTORNEY 'Nov. 13, 1951 1.. GEROW 2,574,736

MULLION STRIP 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 INVENTOR. A 60/70/27 Germ/V BY w imATTORNEY Patented Nov. 13, 195i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Thisinvention relates to window structures and particularly to windows inwhich the multiple lights or panes are interconnected by mullions in amanner to permit opening and closing window movements.

Heretofore, the great majority of windows have been constructed withrigid and stationary wooden or metallic mullions interconnecting theadjacent window panes thus to form a substantially immovable windowstructure in which it is necessary to pivot or slide whole sections ofthe window for purposes of opening said window for ventilation or thelike. Obviously, a window structure embodying such members is greatlyhandicapped in reference to variability in size and design andconsiderable effort has been expended toward the development ofstructural improvements enabling greater flexibility. One recentimprovement makes use of an adjustable connector which enables onewindow pane to be offset from the other adjacent panes which must bestationarily mounted, said offset pane being.

slidable horizontally in relation thereto toward the open position.However, the improvement window structure is limited, as above pointedout, in that only alternate panes are movable and in that an excessivenumber of elements comprise the structure, handicapping the ultimatecost and adoption.

An object of this invention is to produce a new and improved windowstructure having relatively few members combinedin a simple manner andwithout the use of special tools to comprise a window having novel meansenabling each window pane to be moved laterally in relation to the panesadjacent to the open and closed position, and which in the closedposition, may be positively locked and sealed.

Another object of this invention is to produce a new and improved windowframe which may be prefabricated with grooves formed therein enablingalternate window panes to be mounted in a manner offsetting each pane inrelation to the others adjacent for lateral sliding movement of each tothe open or closed position. Guide and sealing strips are assembled inthe, frame grooves operatively to engage the Window panes whenassembled.

A further object is to produce a window frame which may be prefabricatedand assembled in the building structure, using only preshaped jointconnectors thereby greatly to expedite the construction and lower thebuilding costs.

A still further object of this invention is to produce a new andimproved mullion strip for interconnecting the lateral edges of theadjacent window panes when in the closed position, which mullion,however, is mounted in a manner permitting rotational adjustment to aposition releasing the window panes for lateral sliding movement.

A still further object is to produce a window structure which may beassembled from prefabricated parts comprising means enabling themounting or removal of the window panes in the assembled frame and meansfor mounting or removing the interconnecting rotatably mounted mullions,thereby to provide a window structure having considerable flexibility insize, shape, or span without divorcing any of the desirable qualities,heretofore attributed to ordinary small structures.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear, and for purposesof illustration but not of limitation, an embodiment of the invention isshown on the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a frontelevational view of a window design broken away from the building andcomprising multiple lights which are joined laterally by mullions andvertically by a transom.

Figure 2 is a detailed sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,and showing the elements in the locked. position;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 44 of Figure1, showing the element comprising the window structure in the lockedposition;

Figure 5 is the same view as in Figure 4, but showing the mullionadjusted to permit pane movement to the open position;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of but one corner of the window frameshowing the novel means for interconnecting the window frame;

. and

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 1-4 of Figure 6.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a window havingframeless glass or transparent panes mounted for sliding movement inwooden or metal offset grooves prefabricated in the window frame. Theframe members are constructed and prefabricated to fit together in thedesired relation in which position they are joint connectors, which arepositively locked subsequent to the assembly by simple screw means.Preassembled guiding and sealing means are as- [5 sociated with saidframe members enabling simretained by preformedpie insertion or removalof the window panes and easy mounting or demounting of the rotatablemullion which not only interconnects the lateral edges of the glasspanels when in the closed position, but seals same against the attacksof the elements, weather or the like. The mullions are mounted in amanner enabling the rotation thereof through a quarter turn, releasingthe window panes for lateral sliding movement in their guides to theopen or closed position.

It is obvious thatthe various sized window panes and mullions may beassembled or removed without the use of tools or specializedor skilledlabor, and that through the use of transoms the window structure issubstantially un limited in shape or design without sacrificing theflexibility or sealing qualities attributed to windows of smallerdesign. 7

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a window Ienclosed by a frame I l including a supporting sill l2, lateral sidejambs I3 and I4, and a head member l5, all mounted in the side wall l6of a building. Figure 1 shows the window frame enclosing two tiers ofwindow panels separated by a transom l8, the under side of whichnecessarily operates as a head member and the upper side as a sill forpurposes hereinafter explained. In this manner, multiple tiers of panesmaybe combined to form a window of. substantially unlimited height. Thelower tier includes window panes Ila, llb and [1c and the upper tierincludes panes Ila, Ill) and I10, adjacent panes being connectedthroughout their adjacent vertical edges by movable mullions I9. Theoutside edges of the outer panes abut the jambs l3 and I4, thereby toconstitute a structure having all of the weathering qualities of theheretofore rigid unmovable structures, and, in addition,.having thedesirable qualities of permitting opening window movements of all panesregardless of the number of lights making up the tier. It is understoodthat the number of laterally disposed panes is limited only by thepermissible structural span and'wind resistance.

As previously pointed out, every window pane is slidingly movable to theopen or closed position and for this purpose, the sill |2 is formed withtwo parallel and spaced grooves2i) and 2| in which alternate panes l'la.and Ill) of window glass or other transparent paneling material arerespectively positioned, enabling horizontal and guided slidingmovements of one pane in relation to the others adjacent to the desiredopen or closed position. It is to be here understood that the windowpane may be formed of plate glass in which instance aframeless' panemaybe used. However, if sheet or window glass is used, a metal frame may benecessary for reinforcing, as well as for sliding purposes. Othertransparent sheet materials may be used such as the plastics commonlysold under the technical name of methyl methacrylate, or othertransparent sheet plastics having use as window paneling.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the outersill is formed with an inwardlysloping-base 22 draining the collected wateror fluid into anintersecting cross slot 23,- which leads from the base 24 of the innergroove 20,which as illustrated, supports a pane ||b ordinarily exposedto the atmospheric elements when in the closed position. The inner sidewalls Hand 26 of each groove 20 and 2| rise to alevel which is higherthan the opposite side wall thereby to provide a 4 barrier, whichefiectively militates against the flow of collected fluid toward theinside of the window frame or into the building. Description is heremade of but one sill, it being understood that the upper surface of thetransom I8 is formed into a sill having similar figurations.

The jambs l3 and I4 comprising the side portions of the frame H), areformed With parallel and spaced vertical grooves 21 and 28 correspondingto and intersecting the grooves 28 and 2| formed in the sill. The innergroove 2! of the jamb is not designed ordinarily to receive a windowpane when in the closed position. However, instances may arise where itmay be desirable horizontally to slide the pane H1) in the direction tothe left to open position (Figure 5) and for such times, the groove isfitted with a cushion 29 of a resilient or rubber-like material, whichoperates as a bumper as well as a filler.

The outer groove 28 has fitted therein an elongate spring metal channelor fastener 30 having outwardly extending arms 3| and 32, the ends ofwhich are turned inwardly to form inwardly disposed tongues 33 havingends disposed in a direction towards the base 34. Since the span betweenthe tongues 33 is less than the thickness of the enclosed glass paneIla, it is manifest that the glass will be firmly grasped, thereby tocomprise a weather seal throughout the enclosed lateral edge as well asa guide and tensioning means militating against looseness or rattlingnoises. Secured into the base of the spring metal channel 30 is aresilient or rubber-like tube or other deformable strip 35 which issubstantially deformed by the glass pane bearing thereagainst when inthe locked position, thus constituting a suitable weather sealthroughout the lateral window edge militating against the passage ofair, dust, moisture or the like. Manifestly, the spring metal fastenersor channels cooperate only with the lateral edge portions of the outerpanes Na and Ho. It is to be understood that the metal channel 30 willbe positioned in the groove corresponding to that containing theoutermost panel, the cushr ion being secured in the other groove forpurposes explained.

The transom l8 has elongate spaced parallel grooves 36 and 31 inalignment with and intersecting the grooves 21 and 28 of the jambmembers. Both grooves have secured therein spring metal fasteners 38having extending arms 39 with inturned resilient tongues in formedsubstantially similar to the fastener 30 previously described. In thisinstance, however, the upper edges of alternate panes Ila, b and llcride in alternate grooves respectively, panes Ila and llc riding in theouter groove 31 and panes Nb and lid (not shown) riding in the innergroove 35, said grooves cooperating respectively with the grooves 2| and20 in the sill to retain the window panes in the upright position and toguide their horizontal movements. It is unnecessary to provide aresilient weather seal at the head portion since the rain and dirtparticles do not concentrate in the area, the contact between theresilient tongues 40 and the glass panes sufiicing for a weather and airseal.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the free space between the upper edge 4| ofthe window pane and the lower edge of the spring metal fastener issufficient for raising the pane to clear the edge of the grooves in thesill l2, thus the pane may be so moved and the lower edge subsequentlyswung outwardly sufliciently to clear the sill, en-

abling removal of the window pane. It is obvious that assembly of thewindow pane into the frame I may be as easily accomplished merely byfitting the upper edge of the window pane between tongues 40 and raisingthe pane a distance sufiicient to clear the sill I2, whereafter thebottom edge may be moved forwardly to the corresponding sill groove andlowered therein, completing the pane assembly operations.

The foregoing describes a window having horizontally slidable windowpanes guided by spaced formed grooves in the window frame, alternatewindow panels being spaced therein from each other in a manner to permitsliding movement of one pane in relation to the others. Manifestly, eachpane has a spaced relation with the adjacent pane equal to the distancebetween grooves, which open space must be enclosed in the lockedposition for purposes of sealing the window opening. For this purpose,mullions I9 are mounted between the head member I and the transom I 8and between the transom I8 and the sill I2 and have outer grooves 42 and43 disposed in the direction to enclose the lateral edge portion of theadjacent panes when said mullion is rotated to the locked or crosswiseposition. It is manifest that the mullion may be formed from othermaterials possessing the necessary rigidity, such as wood, plastics orthe like.

The mullion, substantially S-shaped in cross section, has a central hubportion 44 and outwardly disposed channel sections forming the grooves42 and 43, which face in opposite directions. Each mullion I9 has an endopening 45 which enclose a bearing pin 41 protruding outwardly from thesill I2 or transom I 8 as the case may be at a point intermediate theparallel rooves and between the adjacent end portions of the windowpanels. Each bearing pin is formed with a cylindrical section 49 oflarger diameter which slidingly fits into a metallic cup-shaped housing50 anchored in the adjacent support, said cup-shaped housing having anupper opening 5I large enough to permit the bearing pin Rotationalmovement of each mullion I9 is aided by a handle 51 pivoted at 58 to abracket 59 and 3).

to slidingly extend therethrough, the sill having an opening 52extending therethrough in registry with an opening 53 in the bottom ofthe cupshaped member for purposes of draining the collected fluids. Acoil spring 54 disposed between the lower base of the cup member and thecylindrical section 49 urges the bearing pin toward the extendedposition and to engagement with the opening 45.

A vertically disposed slot 55 in the base of the mullion intersects theopening 45 permitting insertion of a tool therethrough for depressingthe pin 4'! sufficiently to permit the mullion to be slid laterally awayfrom the mounting and from the sill for purposes of removal. Similarly,de pression of the pin 41 permits positioning of the mullion I9-thereover for purposes expediting assembly into the frame.

The upper end of each mullion has a similar opening 46 which engages asimilar pin 48. However, in this instance, the cup-shaped member isrecessed in the head portion I5 or transom It as the case may be. It ismanifest that the mullion may be freely rotated upon the bearing pins,movement of the grooves 42 and 43 to alignment between the window panelsreleasing the panes for free sliding movement in the horizontaldirection, and rotation through an angle of 90 effecting the abutment ofthe adjacent edge portions of the panes with resilient or rubber-likesealing strips 56 retained within each elongate groove thereby toweather seal each lateral edge.

The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a window structurehaving horizontally movable, sliding window panes. However, design andconstruction not infrequently makes use of a long and narrow windowstructure, and the horizontal movement of such panes is often madecumbersome due to the tendency to bind and tip. In a long and narrowwindow design, it would be advantageous to section the window panesvertically for vertical movement to the open and closed positions.Proper provisions may be made in the frame without departing from thedisclosed invention. In this instance, the mullions are anchored inbetween the jambs I3 and I4, the mullion operating as a rotatabletransom freeing the panes for vertical sliding movement, or looking samein the closed position.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a, means for constructing a window framewhich is not directed solely to the frame members previously described,but also to window frames having other panel supporting means, saidframe being particularly adapted. for prefabrication and massproduction, ultimately to simplify and improve the assembly into theproper building openings, thus, not only to expedite buildingconstruction but to appreciably lower the cost of the unit. Theillustrated embodiment is directed to the connection at one corner ofthe window frame, it being understood that the other three corners arejoined in substantially the same manner. The device comprises a headmember I5 having a side rib 6| which seats into a groove 62 in the sidejamb I3 in a manner to bring the upper edge of the head member in flushalignment with the upper end of the jamb, thus presenting surfaces whichare perpendicular to each other and engageable with a metallic strip 63bent through an angle of and having inwardly extending sleeves 64integral with each arm 65 and 66 which seat into annular grooves 61 and68 formed into the jamb and head member. Obviously proper mating can notbe secured until the elements are in substantially perfect alignment,and all that remains for permanence is to secure said strips in a mannerto militate against disengagement from said annular slot, which issupplied by wood screws 68 inserted through openings 10 in the near endportion of the connector arms.

Manifestly, I have produced a window structure which may beexpeditiously assembled from relatively few interconnecting parts toproduce a low cost, flexible, window structure which may be openedthrough any portion and which may be locked in the closed position toform a unitary structure completely sealed from the weather andelements.

It is to be understood that numerous changes indetails of construction,arrangement and operation may be effected without departing from thespirit of the invention especially as defined in the appended claims.

tally disposed guides, window panels slidably mounted respectively insaid guides, a vertically disposed mullion strip having oppositelyfacing panel engaging recesses for engaging a vertical edge portion ofone panel and the opposite vertical edge portion of the other panel, andpivot means between said panel engaging recesses and disposed at theupper and lower ends of said mullion strip enabling rocking movementthereof about a vertical axis to a position lying wholly between thepanels, thereby to afford unobstructed sliding movement of the panels.

2. In a window structure; a frame having laterally spaced pairs of upperand lower horizontally disposed guides, window panels slidably mountedrespectively in said guides, a-vertically disposed mullion strip havingoppositely facing panel engaging recesses for engaging a vertical edgeportion of one panel and the opposite vertical edge portion of the otherpanel, pivot means between said panel engaging recesses and disposed atthe upper and lower ends'of said mullion strip enabling rocking movementthereof about a vertical axis to a position lying wholly between thepanels, thereby to afiord unobstructed sliding movement of the panels,and a latch for securing the mullion strip in its crosswise positionthereby to hold the window panels in closed position.

3. In a window structure, a frame having laterally spaced pairs of upperand lower horizontally disposed guides, window panels slidably mountedrespectively in said guides, a vertically disposed mullion strip havingoppositely facing panel engaging recesses for engaging a vertical edgeportion of one panel and the opposite vertical edge portion of the otherpanel, said mullion strip being substantially Z-shaped in cross sectionand the panel engaging portions constituting grooves, and pivot meansbetween said panel engaging recesses and disposed at the upper and lowerends of said mullion strip enabling rocking movement thereof about avertical axis to a position lying wholly between the panels, thereby toafford'unobstructed sliding movement of the panels.

4. In a window structure, aframe having laterally spaced pairs of upperand lower horizontally disposed guides, window panels slidably mountedrespectively in said guides, a vertically disposed mullion strip havingoppositely facing panel engaging recesses for engaging a vertical edgeportion of one panel and the opposite vertical edge portion of the otherpanel, and pivot elements for the upper and "lower ends of said -mullionstrip in therspace' between said window panels and between said recessesenabling same to rock to a position substantially parallel to and whollybetween said panels.

5. In a window structure, a frame having laterally spaced pairs of upperand lower horizontally disposed guides, window panels slidably mountedrespectively in said guides, a vertically disposed mullion strip havingoppositely facing panel engaging recesses for engaging a vertical edgeportion of one panel and the opposite vertical edge portion of the otherpanel, and pivot elements for the upper and lower ends of said mullionstrip in the space between said window panels and between said recessesenabling same to rock to a position substantially parallel to and whollybetween said panels, said pivot elements comprising spring-tensionedpins fitting into socketsin said mullion strip and adapted to bedepressed to enable mounting and removal of said strip.

6. In a window structure, a frame having laterally spaced pairs of upperand lower horizontally disposed guides, window panels slidably mountedrespectively in said guides, a vertically disposed mullion strip havingoppositely facing recesses for receiving when, in one position, avertical edge portion of one panel and an opposite vertical edge portionof the other panel, resilient material in said grooves to effect a sealwith the engaged window panel, pivot elements between said recesses andat the upper and lower ends of said mullion strip in the space betweensaid panels enabling same to rock to an inoperative position lyingwholly in the space between said panels, and a latch arm on said stripproviding a hand hold therefor, and a keeper engageable by said latcharm for securing the mullion strip in panel engaging position.

LEONARD GEROW.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 945,225 Forsyth Jan. 4, 19101,086,320 Forsyth Feb. 3, 1914 1,170,660 Morris Feb. 8, 1916 1,298,763Miner Apr. 1, 1919 1,374,629 Bailey Apr. 12, 1921 2,149,385 Bendele Mar.'7, 1939

